I have quite a few memories from around when I was 4 – 5 years old (I think there were still a few dinosaurs around). But, sometimes I wonder if they are truly my memories or if they are memories that were borne out of stories told by my parents? I’m not really sure. I do have some pretty general memories, like being completely independent by the time I was around 6 (spare you the details).
I also remember when my dad gave me my first buzz cut. I hated it and wore a hat to kindergarten for about 2 weeks. The teacher called my mom to ask why I refused to remove it in class.
These days I only wish I had enough hair that I COULD get a buzz cut!
Sadly, my earliest memory was standing in my grandfathers BIG chair, the one he sat in when watching “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke.” Lots of adults were murmuring but ignoring this 5-year-old. The chair seemed so big. I didn’t know what was going on. I was scared. Sadly, it turns out my beloved BIG 16-year-old brother had been in an accident and was in the hospital. He died several days later. I lost all memories of my happy life before that day.
Now, rather than leave you crying, I will say that I was blessed to eventually find great happiness and joy in my life but that was a trauma that did majorly affect my early years!
I thought about people having sad memories for their first memory, I am so sorry that I brought that up. But sometimes a memory brings the person that we lost back into the picture. Maybe happy photos exist of you and your brother?
Sorry for your loss Bruce, I am sure that losing a older brother did change things considerably in your young life. Sending a hug…. Peggy
I guess my first memory was when Twin & I went over to our neighbors so they could babysit us while our parents went to work. I remember looking at their fridge, seeing hundreds of magnets, and then looking over to Twin and saying “What’s with all the magnets? There isn’t even paper on it!”. We were only 2 or 3. LOL
What is also interesting is how some folks remember very little. My sister is two years younger than I am. I often bring up things that I recall from childhood and she has virtually no recollection at all. We had a pretty bucolic childhood so it’s not like she is blocking out something traumatic?
Peggy, you really got me thinking. I can recall so many, early childhood experiences. Looking back, most are pretty silly/happy memories.
I remember getting beat up by the neighborhood bully who lived next door. She was about my age, but much taller and stronger. The only way I could get her to leave me alone was by smearing mud all over her new Sunday dress. We were 5 or 6 at the time!
Great question. I am amazed how many times my Mother doesn’t remember all the childhood memories I do. Many of my first memories center back on my Grandparents house we lived in when I was 2 as my parents moved back to Texas from my Father being in the Air Force.
There was a magnificent oak tree that was a beauty I had a swing in and would swing and sing Beatles songs as my Mother watched me from the kitchen window. My favorite song then was “She love me ya ya ya”. Next time ask me about the three prong hook on the pier chuckle.
Peggy,
I have quite a few memories from around when I was 4 – 5 years old (I think there were still a few dinosaurs around). But, sometimes I wonder if they are truly my memories or if they are memories that were borne out of stories told by my parents? I’m not really sure. I do have some pretty general memories, like being completely independent by the time I was around 6 (spare you the details).
I also remember when my dad gave me my first buzz cut. I hated it and wore a hat to kindergarten for about 2 weeks. The teacher called my mom to ask why I refused to remove it in class.
These days I only wish I had enough hair that I COULD get a buzz cut!
Cheers,
Marc
Marc,
I think that a lot of childhood memories are collected and retold stories that become part of the family tales.
Thanks for sharing your story about kindergarten.
🙂
I was 2 years old. I was sitting between my grandparents in their Lincoln Continental, driving to their house. My brother was born that night.
Great memory Sharon ~ thanks for sharing!
Sadly, my earliest memory was standing in my grandfathers BIG chair, the one he sat in when watching “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke.” Lots of adults were murmuring but ignoring this 5-year-old. The chair seemed so big. I didn’t know what was going on. I was scared. Sadly, it turns out my beloved BIG 16-year-old brother had been in an accident and was in the hospital. He died several days later. I lost all memories of my happy life before that day.
Now, rather than leave you crying, I will say that I was blessed to eventually find great happiness and joy in my life but that was a trauma that did majorly affect my early years!
I thought about people having sad memories for their first memory, I am so sorry that I brought that up. But sometimes a memory brings the person that we lost back into the picture. Maybe happy photos exist of you and your brother?
Sorry for your loss Bruce, I am sure that losing a older brother did change things considerably in your young life.
Sending a hug….
Peggy
I guess my first memory was when Twin & I went over to our neighbors so they could babysit us while our parents went to work. I remember looking at their fridge, seeing hundreds of magnets, and then looking over to Twin and saying “What’s with all the magnets? There isn’t even paper on it!”. We were only 2 or 3. LOL
What is also interesting is how some folks remember very little. My sister is two years younger than I am. I often bring up things that I recall from childhood and she has virtually no recollection at all. We had a pretty bucolic childhood so it’s not like she is blocking out something traumatic?
Peggy, you really got me thinking. I can recall so many, early childhood experiences. Looking back, most are pretty silly/happy memories.
I remember getting beat up by the neighborhood bully who lived next door. She was about my age, but much taller and stronger. The only way I could get her to leave me alone was by smearing mud all over her new Sunday dress. We were 5 or 6 at the time!
Cheers,
Marc
Great question. I am amazed how many times my Mother doesn’t remember all the childhood memories I do. Many of my first memories center back on my Grandparents house we lived in when I was 2 as my parents moved back to Texas from my Father being in the Air Force.
There was a magnificent oak tree that was a beauty I had a swing in and would swing and sing Beatles songs as my Mother watched me from the kitchen window. My favorite song then was “She love me ya ya ya”. Next time ask me about the three prong hook on the pier chuckle.